[Bluesummers]

(IMG:http://www.9cristianoronaldo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/Cristiano_Ronaldo.jpg)
(IMG:http://sportige.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Pato-Ronaldinho.jpg)

(IMG:http://cdn.serieatalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/milan-vs-realmadrid.jpg)




GAME INFO:


TUESDAY

OCT 19, 2010

20:45 CET

SANTIAGO BERNABEU









(IMG:http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/4857/maldinidegouteparsansir.jpg)

[Linkman]

And even if we lose (we won't), it's not like we're knocked out of the competition.

[vnata001]

And even if we lose (we won't), it's not like we're knocked out of the competition.

+ infinity. it's not the end of the world losing to madrid at the bernabeu - with the exception of Marcelo and Pepe, they are a completely world class team.

Di maria's pace against zambrotta, c ronaldo marshaled by Antonini, Higuain up top without Thiago Silva, and Ozil in a free role have me thinking skeptically. Our backline is going to need our midfield to cover a LOT of ground in front of them, and i don't think Seedorf and Pirlo together are going to get it done. I like the idea of approaching this game defensively, and trying to play on the counter:

I'd play Boateng on the right in front of Zambro, Rino matching up with C-Ron "in front" of Antonini. Pirlo and Dinho given roaming central midfield roles, looking for Ibra posting up or Pato over the top.

Knowing how Marcelo and Ramos LOVE to go forward, I think Antonini and Boateng could provide the "shot out of a cannon"-like spark that any team needs to be a good counter attacking team. Seedorf provides neither the tracking back, or sprinting forward I think we'll need.

HOWEVER, if we grab a lead, i'd consider removing Ibra for either Robinho or Seedorf late on. Seedorf to sure up the midfield and add another pass master so that when Real pour forward there would be three pass masters capable of fully utilizing Pato's pace, or Robinho for his ability to assist in keeping possession/prevent us from sitting TOO far back and his HUGE APPETITE to find the net and celebrate in front of the Madrid crowd. The latter I'd love to see.

At the end of the day, I feel a draw against Mourinho's Madrid, with all their attacking jewels, at the Bernabeu, would be a huge statement of our abilities. A loss would focus our team further, and a win would likely prompt the European media to crown us Champions League favorites. Either way, this match up going to be good for us.

Btw, Blue: at this point, for all I know your cheering for Madrid to beat us, just for the sake of your argument!

This post has been edited by vnata001: Oct 18 2010, 12:54 AM